We already know the usual suspects when it comes to touring Singapore: 1) Walking around the Gardens by the Bay, 2) taking photos with the Merlion, and 3) exploring the gorgeous Changi Airport. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the typical tourist attractions in Singapore, there is also something incredibly enriching about doing fun activities that not everyone knows about, not even many locals.
If you want to explore the city of Singapore in all its glory, here are some hidden, fun, and unusual things to do during your trip.
Wet markets
It’s understandable to want to only see the manicured areas in the city, but it’s also wonderful to experience grocery shopping the old school way. The Senoko Fishery port is known for being the best place to get some fresh seafood before the crack of dawn. And because there are no middlemen, you can expect the prices to be much lower too! This is the best wet-market experience you can have while in the Little Red Dot.
Hole-in-the-wall bars
If you’re the type who loves a good cocktail hour, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that Singapore has plenty of hole-in-the-wall, hidden bars that serve refreshing cocktails and delectable tapas. Many of them are located in the Central Business District (CBD). Just be sure to follow proper social distancing when you visit these bars.
Private dinners at home
Not many people know about this, but you can hire chefs to cook dinner for you from the comfort of your Airbnb. Especially since Singapore is known for being populous, you might have to face long queues on your way to restaurants and bars. Home restaurants solve this problem, and they keep you safe and healthy, too.
Exploring street art
If you’re someone who appreciates art, you will enjoy the overflowing amount of artistic talent in the streets of Singapore. The best part is that you also learn so much about their history, culture, and heritage through the artwork you will encounter. Actually, that’s only the second-best part; the real best part is that this activity is totally free.
You can find street art in places like Little India, which you can access through SMRT‘s Downton Line and North-East Line. The biggest collection of masterpieces are located in the following areas:
- Race Course Road
- Rowell Road
- Chander Road
- Hindoo Road
- Belilos Lane
- Baboo Lane
- Veerasamy Road
- Buffalo Road
While you’re at it, you can also enjoy the sights and sounds of the city while on the SMRT. Most of the city’s most popular attractions are a short walk away from many of these stations, so the train is one of the best ways to get around.
Playing with rescued dogs
If you’re an animal lover who doesn’t necessarily enjoy seeing animals in zoos, visiting a shelter to play with the rescue pets there might be a suitable alternative. The Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS) works to give rescued dogs a much better life, especially saving them from industrial parks and estates. You can choose to volunteer for a day by making friends with the dogs and bringing them out for fun walks. The organization also accepts donations of cleaning items and dog food.
Walking tour of a historic cemetery
If you have a penchant for history but tired of going to museums, a walking tour of the Bukit Brown Cemetery might be for you. The cemetery has been abandoned since it was closed in 1973, but it recently found itself in the spotlight because of news of potential exhumations. It opened in 1831 and houses the tombs of about 100,000 of Singapore’s pioneers.
The cemetery may be abandoned and neglected, but it is still steeped in Singaporean history since it holds the countless stories of the city-state’s most remarkable ancestors, like Chew Joo Chiat and Gan Eng Seng. The best way to learn more about these stories is by joining a guided tour since you will be inundated with more information about these notable figures.
Go on a theatrical dinner
Another fun activity that not many people know about is AndSoForth‘s theatrical dinners, which are the perfect fusion of good cuisine, mystery, theater, drama, and art. It begins as guests are informed of the venue’s location on the day of the dinner, and they will be provided clues on how to get to the venue. When guests successfully get to the location, they will be provided with an unforgettable gastronomical experience fused with an interactive performance by professional artists and performers.
There’s so much to do in Singapore. With enough research and planning, you’ll surely have an unforgettable time in the city. Good luck and stay safe!
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